Carver saves young girl from drowning in Arviat, Nunavut

A carver in Arviat, Nunavut, was going door to door selling his carvings when he ended up saving a life.

Thomas Nibgoarsi said he was walking around the community of about 2,300 people when he saw a young girl waving her arms and begging for help. He said he did not think it was a big deal and began walking away until another young girl told him her friend was drowning.

Nibgoarsi rushed to the ice and upon arrival, he saw her hat and what appeared to be clothes, and then grabbed her.

Thomas Nibgoarsi pulled the girl out of the water near Arviat, Nunavut, and performed CPR. She is now recovering in a Winnipeg hospital. (Photo courtesy of Abraham Eetak)

Nibgoarsi said he handled the situation on his own.

"I was worried because there was nobody around. But I was taught how to do CPR. As soon as I remembered that, I CPR'd the young girl. Then I looked towards the sky and said a prayer, and that's what I think had answered my prayer, so I am thankful," he said in Inuktitut.

The young girl is now in Winnipeg for medical treatment.

Nibgoarsi sold two carvings that day. He's keeping one as a reminder of saving a young life.